We try to pack as light as possible. But there's no way we're leaving Alexa
behind.
So when we live abroad, we bring our Amazon Echo with us.
But wait!, you say. The Echo is US-only. And besides, the Echo Dot is much
better for travel because it's much smaller and lighter.
So why on Earth would we bring our Amazon Echo while traveling the globe?
The reasons are these. First, the US-only restriction is easily overcome by
associating the Echo with a US city in the same time zone as your current
location. While in Mexico, for example, we used the Alexa app to tell Amazon we
were based in Houston, Texas. When you want local information, you need only
specify: “Alexa: What's the weather today in Cancun, Mexico.”
Second, while the Echo Dot is smaller, its built-in sound is inadequate (and
really designed to be connected to other home speaker systems). By bringing a
full Amazon Echo, we get really good sound, but in a small package. It's a great
way to fill your home with music without carrying anything larger than a bottle
of wine.
Third, you may be surprised to learn that music works abroad. Even Pandora!
In other words, both the Echo and Pandora are supposed to be US-only. But while
abroad, you can use your Echo to listen to your Pandora stations.
That's why I recommend that all nomads bring an Amazon Echo while living abroad.